Mr.Craig's Rookie Spotlight

[Mr.Craig]

I thought I'd put together some info on potential DT rookie picks for next year. If you'd like someone in particular spotlighted then let me know and if you have further information/corrections on a player feel free to join in the discussion.

I will update this post regularly so that it's easy to locate the player you're interested in. Cheers. :)

Players/Pages (in alphabetical order) -

Adam Carter - Page 23
Aidan Corr - Page 20
Andrew Boston - Page 5
Ben Kennedy - Page 4
Brad Crouch - Page 9
Brad Hartman - Page 18
Brant Colledge - Page 23
Brett Goodes - Page 21
Brodie Grundy - Page 1
Brodie Murdoch - Page 16
Callum Sinclair - Page 24
Cadeyn Williams - Page 24
Clay Cameron - Page 20
Dan Currie - Page 23
Dane Rampe - Page 23
Dean Kent - Page 13
Dean Terlich - Page 19
Dean Towers - Page 4
Dominic Barry - Page 10
Dylan Van Unen - Page 19
Harrison Marsh - Page 23
Jack Hannath - Page 24
Jack Viney - Page 1
Jackson Macrae - Page 5
Jackson Ramsay - Page 18
Jackson Thurlow - Page 5
Jaeger O'Meara - Page 9
Jake Lloyd - Page 21
Jake Neade - Page 16
Jake Stringer - Page 2
James Stewart - Page 14
Jaryd Cachia - Page 21
Jason Ashby - Page 18
Jed Anderson - Page 5
Jesse Lonergan - Page 8
Jimmy Toumpas - Page 2
Joe Daniher - Page 1
Jonathan O'Rourke - Page 3
Jordon Bourke - Page 24
Josh Prudden - Page 20
Josh Saunders - Page 20
Josh Simpson - Page 18
Justin Hoskin - Page 22
Kamdyn McIntosh - Page 15
Kane Mitchell - Page 6
Kristian Jaksch - Page 8
Kyle Hartigan - Page 21
Kyle Martin - Page 7
Lachie Hunter - Page 8
Lachie Plowman - Page 2
Lachie Whitfield - Page 1
Leigh Osborne - Page 20
Lewis Pierce - Page 25
Liam McBean - Page 19
Marco Paparone - Page 10
Mark Hutchings - Page 22
Mason Shaw - Page 4
Mason Wood - Page 14
Matt Jones - Page 18
Matt McDonough - Page 4
Max Duffy - Page 22
Michael Close - Page 11
Mitch Clisby - Page 22
Nathan Hrovat - Page 3
Nathan Stark - Page 21
Nathan Wright - Page 12
Nicholas Hayes - Page 24
Nicholas Kommer - Page 19
Nick Graham - Page 6
Nick Vlastuin - Page 3
Oliver Wines - Page 3
Rory Atkins - Page 12
Sam Colquhoun - Page 3
Sam Dwyer - Page 21
Sam Mayes - Page 3
Sam Siggins - Page 18
Spencer White - Page 11
Tanner Smith - Page 4
Taylor Garner - Page 4
Tim Broomhead - Page 7
Tim McGenniss - Page 13
Tim Membrey - Page 5
Tim O'Brien - Page 15
Tim Sumner - Page 13
Tom Clurey - Page 5
Tom Lee - Page 6
Tom Temay - Page 12
Troy Menzel - Page 6
Will Hams - Page 21
Xavier Richards - Page 23

[Mr.Craig]

Lachie Whitfield



Birthday - 18/7/94
184cm/74kg
Dandenong Stingrays
Price/Position - $183,700 Mid

Drafted - Round 1 Pick 1 - GWS

As expected Whitfield became this year's No.1 draft pick. A left-footed, outside midfielder he has been praised for his running and work rate. He was selected in the 2011 Under 18 All Australian Team which boasted such names as Brandon Ellis, Taylor Adams, Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Clay Smith and Chad Wingard. Once again in 2012 he was chosen in the team. This year he also won the Larke medal which was awarded to Coniglio last season. His DT scores in the TAC during 2012 were 135, 98, 90, 138, 111, 114, 105 and 78 (Ave: 108.6).

He will join a midfield boasting Coniglio, Treloar and Greene but I think Lachie will get 16-18 games next season and should warrant his hefty price tag.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at NAB AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another player who has been through the AIS-AFL Academy.”

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-01-07/no1-eyes-round-one
https://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/151305/default.aspx
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/whitfield-set-to-take-on-the-world-20120524-1z7x7.html
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=138238
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=140484

YouTube Highlights -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDBz3ucs34A

[Torpedo10]

Lachie Whitfield



Birthday - 18/7/94
184cm/74kg
Team - Dandenong Stingrays
Fanplanner Price - $168,200

Whitfield is widely tipped to be this year's No.1 draft pick. A left-footed, outside midfielder he has been praised for his running and work rate. He was selected in the 2011 Under 18 All Australian Team which boasted such names as Brandon Ellis, Taylor Adams, Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Clay Smith and Chad Wingard. Once again in 2012 he was chosen in the team. This year he also won the Larke medal which was awarded to Coniglio last season.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at NAB AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another player who has been through the AIS-AFL Academy.”

Media -

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/whitfield-set-to-take-on-the-world-20120524-1z7x7.html
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=138238
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=140484

YouTube Highlights -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDBz3ucs34A

Nice Writeup mate, one question. You said he was left footed, why is the pic him kicking with his right foot?

[Noz]

Lachie Whitfield



Birthday - 18/7/94
184cm/74kg
Team - Dandenong Stingrays
Fanplanner Price - $168,200

Whitfield is widely tipped to be this year's No.1 draft pick. A left-footed, outside midfielder he has been praised for his running and work rate. He was selected in the 2011 Under 18 All Australian Team which boasted such names as Brandon Ellis, Taylor Adams, Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Clay Smith and Chad Wingard. Once again in 2012 he was chosen in the team. This year he also won the Larke medal which was awarded to Coniglio last season.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at NAB AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another player who has been through the AIS-AFL Academy.”

Media -

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/whitfield-set-to-take-on-the-world-20120524-1z7x7.html
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=138238
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=140484

YouTube Highlights -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDBz3ucs34A

Nice Writeup mate, one question. You said he was left footed, why is the pic him kicking with his right foot?

Maybe he is ambidextrous?

Good write up deserves a cheer.

[Torpedo10]

Lachie Whitfield



Birthday - 18/7/94
184cm/74kg
Team - Dandenong Stingrays
Fanplanner Price - $168,200

Whitfield is widely tipped to be this year's No.1 draft pick. A left-footed, outside midfielder he has been praised for his running and work rate. He was selected in the 2011 Under 18 All Australian Team which boasted such names as Brandon Ellis, Taylor Adams, Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Clay Smith and Chad Wingard. Once again in 2012 he was chosen in the team. This year he also won the Larke medal which was awarded to Coniglio last season.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Classy medium midfielder with rare awareness and decision-making ability complemented by skills either side with hands and feet. Is naturally gifted with speed and endurance and is strong overhead. All-Australian at NAB AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and winner of AFL Life Members Scholarship. Backed it up this year winning the Larke Medal and All-Australian honours averaging 23.2 disposals. Another player who has been through the AIS-AFL Academy.”

Media -

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/whitfield-set-to-take-on-the-world-20120524-1z7x7.html
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=138238
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=140484

YouTube Highlights -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDBz3ucs34A

Nice Writeup mate, one question. You said he was left footed, why is the pic him kicking with his right foot?

Maybe he is ambidextrous?

Good write up deserves a cheer.

then Mr. Craig should've said so.  :P Either way great writeup, i gave you a cheer.  :)

[tbagrocks]

guys please, don't quote the write ups for every player ::) or this thread will be to confusing ???

[Noz]

Agreed apologies Mr.Craig

[Mr.Craig]

Jack Viney



Birthday - 13/4/94
178cm/80kg
Oakleigh Chargers/Casey Scorpions
Price/Position - $102,700 Mid

Drafted Round 2 Pick 26 - Melbourne

Jack, the son of former Demons champ Todd Viney is considered one of the best inside midfield rookie prospects. Another left footer, he is hard at the footy, wins the contested ball and is known for his second efforts. One criticism of Jack is that his disposal efficiency is considered below elite. He's been selected by Melbourne under the father/son rule and after experiencing some VFL action in 2012 (and the wrath of David Wojcinski) he is well placed to make a senior debut early in 2013. Viney's 3 games for the season resulted in scores of 68, 61 and 82.

Vic Metro coach Rohan Welsh - "He’s a born leader, he’s tough and he’s got that really inner drive that players have got to have. If you haven’t got desire and a real will to succeed than you’re kidding yourself and he’s got that in abundance â€" it’s probably his greatest strength."

Kevin Sheehan says: “Left-footed small inside midfielder who attacks the ball with ferocity and tackles strongly. Was prominent for SA at NAB AFL Under 16 level in 2010 before shifting back to Victoria and playing for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships in 2011. Signed father/son to Melbourne, where father Todd played. Played the last two NAB AFL Under 18 Championship matches for Vic Metro, this year averaging 17 disposals and four clearances.”

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2012-12-23/viney
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/147651/default.aspx
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/melbourne-father-son-prospect-jack-viney-wants-to-prove-merit-on-form-not-name/story-e6frf9jf-1226412715126

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl2REg8fxRE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lCaYL6uh1I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cB6_3h63UI

[Mr.Craig]

Nice Writeup mate, one question. You said he was left footed, why is the pic him kicking with his right foot?

He's skilled off both feet. I should have used a different picture in retrospect.::)

[Mr.Craig]

Joe Daniher



Birthday - 4/3/94
201cm/89kg
Calder Cannons
Price/Position - $143,200 Fwd

Drafted Round 1 Pick 10 Essendon

Another son of a gun, Joe is talked about as being one of the best players in TAC Cup history and Kevin Sheehan has compared him to former Essendon and Hawthorn champ Paul Salmon. His marking ability, quick hands and speed are viewed as his strengths while his kicking still needs work. Earlier this year he was awarded the Ben Mitchell medal at the AIS-AFL Academy which recognises qualities such as courage, determination, passion, confidence and discipline. Past winners have been David Myers, Jack Grimes and Matthew Buntine. Daniher's Dream Team scores in this year's TAC Cup have been 115, 139, 96, 114, 82, 62, 73 and 97 (Ave: 97.2).

Many believe he would've been taken in the top 5 draft picks, possibly even No.1 if not for the father/son rule. With David Hille nearing the end of his career there may be a ready-made place for Daniher as a ruck/tall forward at Essendon. James Hird has stated he could see Joe playing 10-15 games next season.

Kevin Sheehan says: A powerful forward who can spend time in the ruck. Think Drew Petrie or Kurt Tippett. Daniher needs to get fitter and stronger but can take a contested mark and is likely to be ready for 2013.

James Hird says: Joe is a very talented young man with a good head on his shoulders. Our job over the next couple of months is to get his body ready for the physical demands of an AFL season.

Media -

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2013-01-30/danihers-ruck-project
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/149077/default.aspx
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/daniher/story-fnelctok-1226487416682
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=145484
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140189/default.aspx
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/future-essendon-star-joe-daniher-exciting-vic-metro-coach/story-e6frepf6-1226410343710

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f5AYiCKqmw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J3QbYB6yFs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atrJiIpSdJE

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Hey Mr.Craig can you please do an article on Brodie Grundy and Lachie Plowman?

[Jukes]

Whitfield and Daniher locks for me at this stage, unsure on Viney. 50/50 atm between him and Garlett.

On that point MrC, maybe a write-up on Garlett?

Cheers, great thread.

[Mr.Craig]

Hey Mr.Craig can you please do an article on Brodie Grundy and Lachie Plowman?

Sure thing. Might do Brodie after the game tonight, if not I'll have them up by tomorrow.

And I'll do Garlett while I'm at it Jukes. ;)

[Mr.Craig]

Brodie Grundy



Birthday - 5/4/94
202cm/100kg
Sturt
Price/Position - $107,200 Ruck

Drafted Round 1 Pick 18 Collingwood

Much like Joe Daniher, Brodie is a man mountain capable of dominating ruck and marking contests. An Under 18 All Australian in 2011 and 2012, former Crows recruiting manager Mark Rendell views him as a game winner who is capable of playing AFL from Round 1. Grundy is a former basketballer who is continuing to develop his football skills, in particular contested ball and goalkicking. In an SANFL Under 18's game earlier this year he had 22 kicks, 11 handballs, 10 marks, 5 goals and 49 hitouts which resulted in a huge 202 DT points! Don't expect those kind of numbers next year but he looms as a rookie lock. Below are his complete DT scores in the various S.A leagues...

Under 18's - 202, 124 (Ave: 163)
Reserves - 41, 84, 87, 40, 58 (Ave: 62)
Seniors - 40, 51, 26, 22, 39, 48, 40, 23 (Ave: 36.1)

Kevin Sheehan says: "Ruckman who imposes himself on games with his physical presence. Excels in directing the ball at stoppages and can be a dangerous marking target up forward. Won All Australian U18 honours in 2011 and has played senior football with Sturt. Backed it up this year becoming a dual All Australian averaging 15 disposals and 24.2 hit outs in 2012."

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150631/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=138775
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=133349
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/148002/default.aspx

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ_6ZfUz_T4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Ywl1WWeTY

[Torpedo10]

Can you do a writeup on Jake Stringer? Great on Grundy, Whitfield, Daniher so far.  :)